Culinary superstars Flay and De Laurentiis return to mentor and judge ten culinary hopefuls for a shot at stardom in the new season at 9 p.m. on Food Network.

Over nine episodes, the finalists are tasked with challenges that test both their cooking and on-camera skills, as they try to prove to Bobby and Giada they have what it takes to be a star.

"This season's talented competitors have put everything on the line and left everything they have known behind to follow their dreams, hoping to earn a spot in the rarified world of food television," said Courtney White, executive vice president of programing at Food Network and HGTV.

Rye Brook's Petroni is among 18 finalists -- including some returning alumni from season 12.